To protect rare disease treatments and ensure medication affordability, Congress must pass the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S. 4583) and the Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act (S. 2780). These bills, if passed, will have a profound impact on the lives of countless patients and their families. Together, these bills strike a balance between driving innovation and keeping medications affordable for patients.
UPDATE: Earlier today, the U.S. House of Representatives took an important step in supporting innovation for rare pediatric diseases by passing H.R. 3433, the Give Kids a Chance Act. Passed by voice vote, this marks a key victory for families and children who rely on life-saving treatments for rare conditions. Additionally, the Continuing Resolution includes a critical provision that extends the FDA Priority Review Voucher (PRV) program for rare pediatric diseases until December 20, 2024. This temporary extension gives Congress time to finalize a full reauthorization of this essential program before the year ends.
Protecting Innovation for Rare Pediatric Diseases: The Creating Hope Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S. 4583)
First, the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act of 2024 is crucial for continuing life-saving innovation for children with rare diseases. This bill reauthorizes the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PRV) program, a vital initiative that has already led to treatments for over 200,000 children across 39 rare conditions. Remarkably, many of these diseases had no FDA-approved treatments before the PRV program was introduced.
However, without reauthorization of S. 4583, the future of rare disease treatments is at serious risk. As a result, millions of children may lose access to new and innovative therapies. Therefore, to protect rare disease treatments, Congress must act quickly.
Ensuring Affordability: The Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act (S. 2780)
In addition to protecting innovation, affordability is equally important. The Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act (S. 2780) addresses this critical challenge. Specifically, it tackles patent misuse, which can delay affordable generics and biosimilars from reaching the market. This bill ensures rare disease treatments remain affordable by preventing unnecessary exclusivity extensions.
S. 2780 improves transparency in the patent system and holds companies accountable. Moreover, by supporting this bill, Congress can help protect rare disease treatments and reduce drug prices for patients. Ultimately, it promotes a fairer marketplace, benefiting both patients and the healthcare system.
Why These Bills Matter
Taken together, the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act (S. 4583) and the Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act (S. 2780) will:
- Foster Innovation: S. 4583 ensures the continued development of rare disease treatments.
- Ensure Affordability: S. 2780 promotes fair competition, allowing affordable alternatives to enter the market.
- Give Patients Hope: These bills ensure access to affordable, innovative treatments for millions of Americans struggling with chronic and rare illnesses.
Time is Running Out
In conclusion, Congress must act now to protect rare disease treatments and ensure affordable healthcare. The reauthorization of the PRV program and patent reforms are essential for continued innovation and patient access. Therefore, immediate action is needed to pass both the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S. 4583) and the Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act (S. 2780). The future of healthcare innovation and affordability depends on it.
OUR LETTER TO SENATE LEADERSHIP
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